The world was overwhelmed by the fashion for a healthy lifestyle, and almost every lifestyle blogger imagines himself to be an expert in the field of nutrition, without having the appropriate education. Most of them draw their knowledge from free sources filled with rather contradictory information. However, hundreds of thousands of Instazstar fans take their word for it and begin to adhere to a similar diet, without even thinking about whether there is any harm in it. It turns out that not all products that seem useful at first glance are safe for health.
Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are considered a low-calorie alternative to bread and other baked goods. However, nutritionists rarely mention that this snack has a very high glycemic index. After eating a loaf of bread, you will quickly feel full and just as quickly want to eat again. In addition, when purchasing such products, always carefully study the composition – choose options with the lowest salt and carbohydrate content, otherwise there is a risk of getting fat due to a dietary product.
Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is a trendy superfood that is promoted by adherents of proper nutrition as a healthier alternative to sugar and even honey. It is believed to have a low glycemic index and blood sugar does not rise sharply after consumption. However, nutritionists have a very different opinion. According to experts, agave syrup is about 80-90% fructose. This substance can subsequently lead to an increase in the body’s resistance to insulin, which can trigger the onset of serious diseases, including diabetes.
Vegetable chips
Nutrition experts have been talking about the dangers of potato chips for a long time. Not only is there almost nothing natural in their composition, but also, as a rule, they are fried in a very large amount of oil. At the same time, some nutritionists advise taking a closer look at supposedly healthy chips made from other vegetables: beets, carrots, zucchini, celery root. However, do not think that this option is healthier than the classics available in any supermarket – these chips are also prepared with a lot of salt and even sugar. Do you want vegetables? Better to consume them raw or make a nutritious stew.
Soy milk
Some healthy drinkers are of the opinion that soy milk is much healthier than standard cow’s milk. However, as a result of recent research, it turned out that this is a false delusion. It turns out that soy milk contains a large amount of dangerous hormones – goitrogens, which negatively affect the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Smoothie bowls
Smoothie bowls, or simply put, smoothies in a plate, are a new trend in the field of healthy eating. It is not only aesthetically pleasing (for sure, followers on Instagram will appreciate it), but also very tasty. Is this fruit, yogurt and cereal based dish really that good? If you make it at home and are sure that you are using only natural ingredients, then you can rest assured. However, do not forget that in terms of the number of calories, such a seemingly light dish can be compared to a full meal in a fast food restaurant due to its high fat and carbohydrate content. But ordering a smoothie bowl at a cafe is not a good idea, since chefs add a lot of fruit puree, yogurt with sweeteners and honey there. A real calorie bomb!
Granola or cereal bars
Thanks to their nutritional value, granola and cereal bars can be both a complete breakfast and a hearty snack. These, at first glance, extremely useful snacks, in addition to oatmeal, also include a large amount of nuts, dried fruits, honey and vegetable oil. On average, one serving of granola contains about 500 calories and more than 20 grams of sugar! Agree, this is quite a lot for a seemingly light, dietary product. And if there is at least some benefit for the body from granola or cereal bars prepared at home, then it is better to refuse the purchased versions of these snacks altogether – they often contain both trans fats and preservatives.
Organic candy
Most healthy lifestyle adherents have eliminated the most common sweets from their diet. However, from time to time they still delight themselves with sweets – though supposedly healthy organic ones. In fact, such pseudo-natural candies are not much different from the most ordinary ones: they also contain a large amount of sugar, but there are no nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body.
Flavored yoghurt
Yogurt is an excellent product in every respect. It contains a large number of probiotics that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as protein. However, only natural fermented milk products are beneficial – without artificial flavors and colors. Most of the industrial yoghurts are stuffed with preservatives, and they also contain a shock dose of sugar: about 25-30 grams per jar, and this is the entire daily norm of an adult.
Low fat ice cream
Perhaps it will be difficult to find a person who is absolutely indifferent to ice cream. This dessert is most often made from natural cream with a high percentage of fat. It makes sense that it contains a huge amount of calories. However, for those who follow the figure, there is the so-called light protein ice cream. But is it more useful? Typically, this version of the treat is stuffed with artificial sweeteners and other flavoring chemicals.
Diet sodas
It’s no secret that sugary carbonated drinks are very harmful to health due to the fact that they contain just a huge amount of sugar. Is the dietary version of your favorite drink so good? As promised by the manufacturer, they contain zero calories and a pleasant taste. However, all this is achieved through artificial sweeteners and other chemical compounds that negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, studies have shown that even diet soda is not the best for the waist, let alone the beauty of the skin.
Purchased protein shakes
After a productive workout, many fitness fans decide to pamper themselves with a protein shake: it tastes good and quickly restores strength. However, not all protein drinks have a beneficial effect on our body. Have you ever considered the composition label on your favorite cocktail from your local sports nutrition store? On it you can safely learn the basics of chemistry! In addition, for the sake of a long shelf life, manufacturers often flavor products with a generous amount of preservatives and hidden sugars.
Sports drinks
After an intense workout in the gym, hands are drawn to the bright bottles of magical vitaminized water, which, as the manufacturers promise, quickly restores strength and saturates the body with useful substances. In fact, sports drinks are made specifically for professionals: they contain electrolytes that help muscles repair. In addition, it should be remembered that one half-liter bottle contains 250-300 calories and a huge amount of sugar.
Canned Soups
To save time, many housewives buy canned soups. It is very convenient, because you do not need to stand at the stove for hours: warmed up – and everything is ready. Alas, this is where the benefits of canned soups end. Such products usually contain a very large amount of salt, which retains water in the body. It is worth paying attention to the packaging: it has been proven that the composition of cans contains the substance bisphenol A, which negatively affects the endocrine system.
Muffins with fruits and berries
When you feel like baking, many people prefer muffins. They are believed to have fewer calories than cream-filled cupcakes or donuts. In fact, muffins, albeit with healthy fruits or berries, are no better – one serving can contain up to 400 calories. Well, if the baked goods were bought at the store, then be prepared for the fact that they will contain harmful trans fats, soy oil and high fructose corn syrup – not the best ingredients for those who want to stay young and beautiful for a long time.
Gluten Free Products
Several years ago, adherents of healthy eating started talking about the benefits of a gluten-free diet and began to carefully study the composition of the foods that end up on their table. And now the products, which indicate that they are gluten-free, have automatically passed into the category of useful ones. However, this is just a marketing ploy: only people with celiac disease should be wary of the so-called gluten. For the rest, it is better not to get carried away with such food, since the natural gluten in it has been replaced by chemical additives.
Mix of nuts
Mixed nuts are a very popular snack among adults and children. Typically, the mix includes ingredients such as almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds. At first glance, this is all extremely useful. However, do not forget that manufacturers often season nuts with a lot of sugar and salt so that they can be stored for as long as possible. It is still better to prepare such a mixture at home and choose less nutritious nuts. In any case, don’t forget to keep track of your portion sizes!
Dried fruits
The benefits of fruits for the body are undeniable. However, it is better to refuse from their dried version or at least minimize its amount in your diet. This is due to the fact that the fructose content in dried fruits is much higher than in fresh fruits. In addition, some manufacturers also add sugar to them.
Ready frozen meals
Many modern residents of megalopolises prefer not to waste precious time on cooking, but instead buy ready-made meals in supermarkets that only need to be reheated. Fortunately, there is a huge selection of them – even diet options can be purchased. However, it is better not to get carried away with this type of product, because it contains too much salt, sugar, preservatives and other chemical additives that negatively affect all systems of the human body.
Vegetable salads bought from fast food restaurants
Imagine this situation: friends asked you to meet at a fast food restaurant, and at this time you are just on a diet. Most likely, you will choose a light salad from the menu, which actually turns out to be much higher in calories than a burger. The fact is that most often very fatty dressings are offered to such salads, and they also include ingredients fried in a large amount of oil. It turns out that a portion of a seemingly healthy dish can harm both the skin and the figure.
Fruit juice
What do you think is healthier – fruit juice or soda? Most will definitely choose juice. In fact, this drink is no better than soda. In the bulk, juices contain a very large amount of sugar, and all useful substances, for example, dietary fiber, disappear during the cooking process. As a result, ordinary sweet syrup ends up on the table, the use of which may not have the best effect on well-being.